Here’s an extensive list of 48 best medicinal plants along with their medicinal properties and uses!

1. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom, also known as lingzhi, is a fungus, which belongs to the Ganodermataceae family. It’s a fan-shaped mushroom and orange to reddish brown in color. Since they are rare to find, it’s commercially grown and sold in the form of tea, capsules, and beauty products. Indeed, reishi mushrooms possess numerous health benefits, which makes it a great staple of eastern medicine. Some of the benefits that reishi exhibits are:

They are generally safe to use, yet it can lead to digestive disorders in some people. You must consult a doctor before taking them, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have blood disorders or is about to have surgery.

2. Jiaogulan

Gynostemma, also known to be “the herb of immortality” because it could make you feel like an immortal by boosting your immunity. It produces a beneficial compound- ginsenosides, which is rare in any other plant. This compound promotes high energy levels and reduces stress, making your life healthier than ever. The herb is available in the natural form as well as commercial tea and powder. Following are some of the benefits that this fairy herb holds:

Fights allergies

Protects brain cells from damage

Helps in weight loss

Regulates blood sugar level

May Fight cancer cells

Reduces asthma symptoms and other heart diseases

Boosts Liver Function

While it’s possibly safe, some people can suffer from severe nausea and an increase in bowel movements. It may reduce the blood clotting process and might adversely affect the blood sugar levels of diabetic people. Avoid intaking the herb if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or healing a recent surgery. Consult your doctor whenever required.

3. Chamomile

Common Names: German chamomile, Roman chamomile, English chamomile, Camomilla, and Flos Chamomile

Chamomile is a European plant of the daisy family with white and yellow flowers and a fresh aroma. People use it in manufacturing almost everything, from cosmetics to beverages for years. Here are some of its health benefits:

Treats Insomnia

Boosts Up Immunity

Helpful In Cold

Reduces Period Cramps

Treats wounds and other skin conditions

Reduces stress

Improves facial skin

Treats Sunburn

If you notice any skin allergy, eye irritation, or other hypersensitivity reactions, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid applying chamomile around your eyes and before applying it on your skin, do a patch test first.

Dandelion is a weed belonging to the daisy family and is easily available in most parts of the world. Contrary to being merely just a weed, it has a wide array of health benefits. They contain high levels of protein and a variety of vitamin and minerals, which makes them perfect survival food. Below are the potential health benefits of dandelion:

Fights Inflammation

Controls Blood Sugar Level

Reduces Cholesterol

Lowers Blood Pressure

Helps In Weight Loss

Treats Constipation

Boosts Immune System

If you take dandelion by the mouth and apply it to sensitive skin, it may lead to allergic reactions. If by any chance you seem to have an allergy, consult your doctor before taking this plant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid intake.

5. Lady Ferns

Lady fern, also known as shuttlecock fern or eagle fern. It commonly grows across the US, and in some parts of Europe, Canada, and Australia. Like many ferns, it reproduces from its spores. Its leaves contain a high amount of protein, zinc, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B and B complex. The fern is regarded to be a plant with home remedy qualities and is famous as an edible vegetable in many areas. The list below contains some health benefits of lady fern:

Benefits the bones and teeth

Great for eyesight

Relieves Constipation

Helps in body aches

Great for heart

Improves appetite

Not enough information is available to question about the safety of this plant yet avoid it if you’re pregnant.

6. Ginger

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale

Common Names: Jiang, gingembre, ingwer, adrak, kon-gang, adi

Ginger is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices available on Earth. Not only it adds a tasty flavor to the food, it’s full of nutrients and bioactive compounds that are beneficial for your brain and body. Ginger mostly grows in warmer areas of Asia and is popular to cure an upset stomach. Some other benefits include:

Excessive intake of ginger might increase bleeding tendency and promote diarrhea. Throat irritation, abdominal discomfort, central nervous system depression are some other downfalls of ginger. However, you must not worry about these side effects if you’re intaking it in the prescribed dose.

A fruit-bearing vine, these berries are purple-red in color and have four tastes- sweet, salty, bitter and sour. It’s a popular adaptogen to increase resistance power to fight stress and diseases. You can take Schisandra berries as whole or in the powdered form available in stores. It has a variety of health benefits, which you can read below:

Boosts energy at the cellular level

Improves the functioning of adrenal glands

Relieves stress

Effective for hepatitis

Improves mental health- concentration, attention, and intellect

Schisandra can stimulate the central nervous system, which in turn can adversely affect people with epilepsy. These berries can worsen peptic ulcers and high brain pressure.

8. Golden Root

Also known as “golden root,” this fragrant root of a herb has adaptogenic qualities to eliminate stressors. The extract grows in northern climates in places like Asia, Russia, Europe, and Greece. This herb is significantly used as a natural remedy since ages to treat multiple illnesses:

Helps in mental or physical fatigue

Might provide some benefits in bladder cancer

Improves the symptoms of depression

Lowers anxiety

May solve sexual problems

Slowers aging process

For now, there are no scientifically proven downfalls of using this herb. However, to be on the safe side, avoid it if you have some allergy.

9. Sage

Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis

Common Names: Garden sage, true sage, salvia real, echter salbei

Sage is a woody herb and belongs to the mint family. It’s a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world and is proven to be one among the healthiest food. Sage contains a variety of volatile oils, flavonoids, phenolic acids. It has a soft and sweet-savory flavor and wonderful health-promoting properties:

Alleviates Diarrhea

Supports bone health

Slowers skin aging

Lowers bad LDL cholesterol

Effective for Alzheimer

Sharpens Memory

Treats inflammation

Helps in diabetes

Sage is a safe herb with no side effects. To be on safe side, never consume sage excessively especially in the tea and essential oil form.

10. Marigold

Marigold is a subdivision of perennial plant in the sunflower family. It’s usually yellow, orange, red, and maroon in appearance and belongs to the kingdom- Plantae. There are many more benefits of marigold except its bright beauty:

Boosts Immune System

Alleviates skin diseases

Aids menstrual pain

Treat mouth ulcers

Provides relief from joint pain

Cures fungal infections

Reduce eye infection and conjunctivitis

Repels bugs and mosquitoes

Marigold can sometimes result in an allergic reaction in forms of rash, itchiness, trouble breathing, and dizziness. Seek medical attention if you notice any of the above or other effects.

11. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a type of capsicum annum and is usually used to add a chilly flavor to dishes. This pepper has been a part of Native American dishes and medicine since year unknown. The ingredient capsaicin is held responsible for the various health benefits of this hot chili. Here are several benefits of cayenne pepper:

This herb is native to the eastern areas of the rocky mountains of the United States. The herb is long used as a herbal remedy by the Indian tribes. There are many commercial echinacea products available in the market in forms of tablets, juice, and tea. Listed are some of the benefits of this herb:

Effective for cold

Reduces anxiety

Promotes healthy cell growth

Aids breast cancer

Helps inflammation

Most common side effects of echinacea include nausea and stomach pain. If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, you must refrain from using this herb.

13. California Poppy

California poppy is a medicinal flowering herb, which contains soothing properties. Also, the herb consists of Vitamin A, C, E, calcium, and magnesium. The general taste is bitter and is native to Western North America. In appearance, it’s red, orange, and yellow with cup-shaped petals. The plant is such great a herb that April 6 is officially named “California Poppy Day.”

Effective for insomnia

Treats Anxiety

Highly effective for nervous disorders

Acts as a sedative agent

It can slow down the central nervous system, which can cause sleepiness and other lethargic effects.

14. Blood Flower

Bloodflower is a garden plant that is a source of food for the butterflies. It flowers nearly year-around with vivid red blooms. Though it has plenty of health benefits, you should be cautious when using this plant because its stems and leaves release a poisonous milky sap, which can potentially damage your eyes.

15. Thyme

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris

Common Names: Common thyme, English thyme, garden thyme

Thyme is among the most popular herbs from the mint family. It has been used to treat a range of symptoms along with multiple dietary uses. Also, this ornamental herb has antibacterial and insecticidal properties. Commercially, the herb is available in the forms of essential oils and tea.

Can Treat Arthritis

Potent for stomach ache, diarrhea, and sore throat

Lowers blood pressure

Cures a cough

Boosts immunity

Thyme is safe to use by adults as well as children if taken in normal food amounts.

16. Korean Mint

As the name suggests, Korean mint is a short-lived herb belonging to the mint family. It’s purple flower spikes are usually two to four inches tall. The minty herb is a drought tolerant plant when it gets set correctly in the ground. In addition to health benefits, it can attract birds and butterflies to your yard. The leaves of this medicinal plant contribute to an uplifting tea and can provide a unique seasoning to your food.

Helpful in nausea

Eliminates fever and congestion

Effective in diarrhea

Might cure hepatitis

The plant is advisable to consume in a recommended dosage.

17. Alfalfa

Botanical Name: Medicago Sativa

Common Names: Burgundy clover, purple medick, lucerne, holy hay

A perennial flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, mostly used for grazing as well as green manure in the farming land. It has a superior content of vitamins, minerals, and protein, which are helpful in cleansing your blood. Several health tonics, tea, supplements, and hair growth tonics are available in the market as a substitute for naturally growing alfalfa in your yard.

Cleanses out impurities from your body

Promotes hair growth

Controls cholesterol

Aids in weight loss

Prevents allergies

Combats depression

Limits excessive bleeding

Alfalfa seeds might prove them unsafe if taken for long-term. It might as well result in an allergy similar to lupus erythematosus.

18. Blackberries

Blackberry is an edible fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The dark color of the berries indicates a high concentration of antioxidants. The fruit is low in calories and rich in fiber and nutrients and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Supports oral health

May boost the health of your brain

Promotes bone development

Increases your metabolism

Aids digestive problems

Hydrates and rejuvenates your skin

Helps in treating diabetes

People with a sensitive stomach can feel the urge to vomit right after eating the berries.

19. Greenthread

Botanical Name: Thelesperma

Common Names: Hopi tea greenthread, navajo tea, hopi tea

Popularly known as the Indian tea, this herbal tea is an extract from a single plant, indigenous to regions of the southwest. The tea is typically prepared by boiling a bundle of it in about 6 cups of water for 5-6 minutes. The tea has an aromatic taste and is enjoyable even without any sweetener.

This flowering plant of the daisy family is also called bachelor’s button and is a preventative against a migraine. You can either grow your feverfew or buy dried capsules, tablets, or tinctures from a store. You can even dry the leaves at home; the result remains as potent as fresh leaves.

May ease menstrual cramps

Herbal alternative for autoimmune disease

Relieves a migraine

Lowers blood pressure

Relief from arthritis

When taken during pregnancy, it can cause UTERINE contraction. Similarly, you should not use feverfew if you are breastfeeding or have taken aspirin or other NSAIDs recently.

22. Catnip

Catnip is a perennial herb member of the mint family and can grow up to three feet high. Manufactures of medicine repeatedly use the flowering tops of the plant to help people with:

A Natural repellent

Treats dandruff

Relieves cramps

Cures Insomnia

Aids in weight loss

Effective for a migraine

Catnip can cause drowsiness, which can reduce your productivity and can lead to vomiting as well. It’ll be better to take it in the night to learn how it works for you. Moreover, children and pregnant women must restrain from taking the herb.

23. Spinach

Spinach is one among the most favored edible flowering plant, native to central and western Asia. The leaves of the plant are worldwide famous as a vegetable. The leaves are an excellent source of Vitamin K, A, and C. When you cook and eat spinach, your body absorbs a higher content of protein, fiber, thiamin, and zinc.

Increases energy in your body

Manages diabetes

Lowers high blood pressure

Promotes eye health

Maintains healthy bones

Relaxes your body

In the worst case of spinach complication, a person may experience mild diarrhea, allergic reactions, or even kidney stones if taken regularly in big quantities.

Allium sativum, commonly called garlic is a species of the Allium family and is a common food ingredient all around the world. It has a unique flavor, which makes it an indispensable element in many dishes. Ancient Greek physicians have referred it to be the father of western medicines. Not just it eases people with heart and blood issues, it has several other health benefits too.

Combats sickness

Prevents Alzheimer

Increases life-span

Improves athletic performance

Ends hair loss

Clears skin impurities

Before taking garlic, do enough research on the web for its interactions with various drugs present in popular medicines.

25. Peppermint

Crossing watermint with spearmint produces the famous plant from the mint family- Peppermint. In the modern era, peppermint is favorite to flavor soft drinks, ice creams, toothpaste, and many other products. Here are some medicinal properties that it holds:

Eases stomach disorders

Reduces stress

Fights bad breath

Betters the immune system

Relaxes muscle pain

Using peppermint in normal food amounts is possibly safe. Avoid using commercial peppermint products that are coated with enteric to prevent anal burns.

26. Globe Artichoke

Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus

Common Names: Cynara, French artichoke, and green artichoke

Globe Artichoke is a perennial medicinal plant that is primarily grown for its edible and nutritious flower buds. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region. However, it’s frequently used in preparing food items in Italy, Spain, and other areas of the world. Not just in food, it’s an ingredient of much herbal tea and liqueur.

Belonging to the aster family, Tansy is native to temperate Europe and Asia. Many manufacturing companies use tansy extracts to process perfumes and green dye. Tansy increases the saliva and blood flow to the tissues, curing many ailments of mouth, stomach, pelvic area, and intestines.

Prevents bacterial infection

Reduces inflammation

Effective for viral diseases

Kills intestinal worms

Improves appetite

Tansy is poisonous when taken by mouth and can be allergic to the skin.

Basil is a herb popular as a food seasoning to promote health benefits. It’s an adaptogen herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. From slowing the aging process to building a stronger immunity, health benefits of basil are quite a lot:

Good for digestive ailments

Effective anti-inflammatory

Cleanses the skin

Fights depression

Aids Diabetic patients

Supports a healthy gut

Combats bacteria

The medicinal plant is safe to use by most people. However, you should only take the leaves for a short term.

30. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that belongs to the ginger family and has bioactive compounds. Due to these compounds, the herb is an antiseptic with numerous other health benefits. It has a unique earthy taste with a heady aroma and is usually bright orange.

Contains strong antioxidant properties

Lowers the risk of brain diseases

Helps in heart diseases

Reduces the risk of cancer

Balance hormone levels

Boosts your immune system

Prevents hair loss

Turmeric is potentially safe to use by anyone. Research more about the spice if you have any doubts about its safety.

Moringa is a drought tolerant plant, which is widely cultivated for its medicinal leaves, flower, pods, and stems. It’s grown in the tropical parts of the world, especially Himalayan regions of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. While all the parts of the plant are healthy, the leaves are the most nutritional part. Moringa is a nutritious vegetable, which can solve problems like:

Fights free radicals

Maintains hormonal balance

Reduces inflammation

Rejuvenates skin

Protects your cardiovascular system

Stimulates wound healing

It’s not safe to use the roots and barks of the tree, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

32. Graviola

A small evergreen tree, parts of which are used in the pharmaceutical industries to manufacture medicines. Recently it has received ample attention as an anti-cancer food. Although these declarations are a result of test tube studies, scientists are yet to confirm it’s effectiveness on humans. It’s highly rich in antioxidant properties, which makes it favorable by a mass of people.

33. Indian lilac

Neem or Indian lilac is a tall evergreen plant cultivated for its timber, resin, and aromatic seed oil. Though it’s an evergreen plant, it may shed all its leaf in extreme drought conditions. Apart from using it for medicinal purposes, it can also serve as an insecticide to eliminate insects from your indoors. It’s most famous in the Indian subcontinent for its beneficial traits in healing:

Prevents acne, pimples, wounds, and ulcers

Has antifungal and antibacterial properties

Stimulates the kidney and liver

Minimize the danger of malaria

Can treat a cough

Reduces swelling and inflammation

Neem consumption is not for infants and those with existing kidney or liver issues.

34. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent with almost no to a little stem. Originated from the Arabian Peninsula, this plant grows worldwide in the tropical climates. The plant is famous among modern gardeners as it can grow indoors as well as outdoors, successfully. Many industries have been using the plant in their products such as beverages, lotions, ointments, to name a few.

Powerful antioxidant

Reduces oral plague

Often treats constipation

Prevents Wrinkles

Relieves Sunburn

Aloe latex can lead to can lead to cramps, diarrhea, and other serious problems.

35. Calendula

Calendula is an ornamental flowering plant that grows worldwide but is native to the Mediterranean region. Not just they add an attractive and lively decoration to your garden, it also poses multiple health benefits on usage by humans. The chemicals present in calendula can help new tissues to grow more quickly over deep cuts and other wounds.

Reduces pain and swelling

Benefits people with ulcers

Eases muscular disorder

Repels mosquitoes naturally

Prevents premature aging

Promotes hair growth

Soothes a sore throat

Protects from cancer

Maintains regularity in the menstrual cycle

To be safe, avoid the herb if you’re allergic to marigold, pregnant or lactating.

36. Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody and fragrant evergreen herb with fine needle-like leaves and warm-bitter taste. It’s a member of the mint family, which is used mostly for seasoning in Italian dishes. Rosemary is rich in iron and calcium, and its aroma can benefit people with memory issues. The extracts of its leaves and twigs have many medicinal and culinary uses.

37. Lavender

Lavender belongs to the mint family with many culinary uses and also makes a great landscape decoration for your yard. The plant is unusual in appearance with finely-toothed leaves and small flowers with purple bracts. Contrary to this fact, not all lavenders look purple. Some hybrid species have other attractive pastel hues like pale pink, white, yellow, violet blue, and rose. It can last for several years if given the right attention.

Fenugreek is an annual plant with light green leaves and small white flowers. It is long used as a herb, spice, and vegetable as well. The seeds of the plant are cuboid in shape with a yellow color and somewhat bitter taste. It is commonly used in India in many dishes since ages for its richness in protein, fats, vitamins, zinc, and other minerals.

Improves digestive disorders

Reduces inflammation

Produces milk flow in breastfeeding

Helps with eating disorders

Stimulates energy

Maintains blood sugar level

Balance cholesterol

Fenugreek may cause stomach irritation, allergic reactions, hypoglycemia. Pregnant women and children must avoid the intake of fenugreek.

Withania Somifera is a plant in the nightshade family with flowers in a bell shape and dull green leaves. U.S markets sell Ashwagandha as dietary supplements, and it’s commonly used in Ayurveda for its medicinal benefits. However, there is no specific evidence which can prove any of the benefits.

Has anti-cancer properties

Acts positively on stress and anxiety

Increases sexual drive

Maintains thyroid health

Rejuvenates body health

Increases fertility in men

Large doses can cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and even miscarriage in pregnant women.

Lemongrass is a perennial grass of the grass family, a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and medicinal herb in India. People cultivate the herb because of its lemon-like aroma and therapeutic properties. It grows well in the summer season with a red base stem and a height of up to ten feet. The grass genus is a common ingredient in many deodorants, soaps, tea, and cosmetics.

Great for aromatherapy

Detoxifies the body

Helps with sleeping disorders

Cures fever

Prevents rheumatism

Cleanses the skin

Protects body cells

It’s unsafe to take lemongrass by mouth when you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.

41. Calotropis Gigantea

Crown flower has a bunch of waxy white or lavender flowers, which makes them an excellent choice for floral arrangements. Growing crown flower in your yard isn’t difficult as long as you put them near an area with full sun. It holds a strong position when it comes to Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments:

Cures digestive disorders

Helps relieve a toothache

May help with snakebites

On an inhalation, cures a cough

Calotropis in unsafe to use especially in high doses, it can lead to heart problems.

42. Costus

Botanical Name: Saussurea costus

Common Names: Betalauri, wild ginger, lakhut, and keukand

Costus is a medicinal herb of Costaceae family with an approximate height of 30-40 cm. The oil extracts of the root and the root itself is used for treating many medical ailments. It’s a significant component in cosmetics, fixatives, and food flavoring products.

The root is helpful in treating worm infections

The oil is useful in curing dysentery

Stimulates digestion

May relieve asthma

Effective in cholera

Not enough information is available on the effects of costus on pregnant or breastfeeding women. Avoid it to stay on the safe side.

43. Candy Leaf

Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana

Common Names: Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf, and Chrysanthemum

Candy leaf is a plant species of the sunflower family and native to Brazil and Paraguay. As the name tells, it’s taste is as sweet as candy. Cultivators widely prefer to grow it for its sweet leaves which act as a source for many sweetener products. It has gained attention from fitness lover all over the world since it’s a natural alternative to processed sugar.

Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, marshmallow is an ornamental plant. The leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant are long used for herbal medicines. Other than herbal uses, they have several culinary uses as well.

Soothes urinary infections

Reduces respiratory problems

Treats inflammation

Calms burns

The plant is safe to use, but it may interact with any other drug/medicine. So, it’s better to consult a doctor before using it.

Cultivated in gardens for its roots, it’s a plant from sunflower family. This biennial plant can reach the height of 3-9 feet with thistle-like purple flowers. Every part of the plant – leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds are used to treat a sore throat, insect bites, flu, constipation, diabetes, eczema, and many more diseases.

Prevents high blood glucose

Cleanses the blood

Eliminates free radicals

Reduces internal inflammation

May prevent cancer

Great burdock might slow the blood clotting process; people with injury must restrain from taking it. Moreover, it must not be consumed during pregnancy.

46. Chinese Yam

Chinese yam is an invasive plant from the yam family. This twining vine usually grows to a height of 3-5 meters and twines in a clockwise motion. The flowers of the plant smell like cinnamon, and that’s why it’s also referred to as cinnamon-vine.

The great yellow gentian is a herbaceous plant of the gentian family and originates from central and southern Europe. One of its common names is “Bitterwort” because of its extremely bitter taste. Many herbal bitters and soft drinks use the roots of the great yellow gentian as a critical ingredient.

Stimulates the digestive system

Regulates weight

Treats oral yeast infection

Cures ringworm

Effective for sinus infection

Eases heart burns

People with low blood pressure should refrain from using it. Stop using gentian at least a week before or after surgery.

48. Vetiver

It’s a bunchgrass, which is most common in India, especially in the western and northern parts of the country. The roots of the grass are used to extract oil for the manufacture of many cosmetics and in aromatherapy.

Taking vetiver during pregnancy might result in a miscarriage. Likewise, maintain distance from it if you’re lactating.

Disclaimer

This article on best medicinal plants is created for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before taking anything. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.

2 COMMENTS

Thank you for sharing this article about the best medicinal plants. These can be especially helpful for those who don’t like taking medicines as well as to those who live in the provinces and have no access to hospitals or clinics.